First Walsh Award Goes To Stuart
Rockbridge Conservation presented conservation awards – and a new award named after its retiring executive director - during its annual meeting Nov. 10 at Rockbridge Area Relief Association’s Piovano Building.
The 2024 conservation award winners included Jim Jones from Natural Bridge State Park, the Nature Restoration and Preservation Award; Jay Sullivan, Education Award; and Tom Stanley, Doug Horn and Cristin Sprenger from Virginia Cooperative Extension and Erin Ling from Virginia Tech, recipients of the Conservation Leadership Award.
This year introduced the Barbara Walsh Award, celebrating individuals with outstanding volunteer achievements. Sandra Stuart is its first recipient, recognized for her countless dedicated hours of service.
Walsh is retiring as executive director, and she was recognized along with departing membership director Jane Comstock, board members Eli Fishpaw and Chris Connors, and committee chairs Sandra Stuart and John Pancake.
RC welcomed returning board members Brian Jenkins, Jim Manley, Lee Merrill, Gretchen Sukow Craig Vinecombe, and new board member Rich Wallace. The meeting officially welcomed Jamie Goodin to the Rockbridge Conservation staff as executive director.
Events at the annual meeting began with a guided native plant walk through Board Vice President Shannon Spencer’s backyard, and a tour of RARA’s facility. The group of roughly 65 individuals gathered to enjoy a potluck meal, bid on auction and raffle items, celebrate a year’s worth of accomplishments, and participate in the organization’s annual business meeting.
Guest speaker Jan Smith with the Rockbridge Area Master Gardeners gave a talk about the importance of planting and preserving native plants to increase biodiversity and harness a healthy ecosystem.
To learn more about the organization or to get involved, visit www.rockbridgeconservation. org.
BOB BIERSACK presents Jim Jones with Natural Bridge State Park with RC’s Nature Restoration and Preservation Award.
RETIRING Executive Director Barbara Walsh meets with Sandra Stuart, the first recipient of the Barbara Walsh Award.
ROCKBRIDGE CONSERVATION board President Bob Biersack presents Tom Stanley with Virginia Cooperative Extension with RC’s Conservation Leadership Award.
